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🚨 Food Safety Alert: Read This!!

Wendy's pricing "Do I hear $5? Yes, $5! Now, who'll make it $10? $10!

Author

Marcus Yarbrough
March 04, 2024

COMPOUND OF THE DAY

C2H5OH: Ethanol is a member of a larger class of organic compounds known as alcohols. Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits. It is produced by the fermentation of sugars by yeast or by chemical synthesis.

FOOD SAFETY

Outbreaks and Recalls

Active Outbreaks:

  • E. coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Cheddar Cheese

    • Illnesses 11, Hospitalizations 5, Deaths 0, States CA, UT, CO, TX, NJ

  • Listeria Outbreak Linked to Cheese, Yogurt, and Sour Cream made by Rizo-López Foods (1/6/24)

    • Illnesses 26, Hospitalizations 23, Deaths 2, States 11

  • Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Charcuterie Meats (start 1/5/24)

    • Illnesses 87 (40 new), Hospitalizations 18 (8 new), Deaths 0, States 30 (8 new)

  • Lead and Chromium Poisoning Outbreak Linked to Cinnamon Applesauce Pouches (start 10/17/23)

    1. Total Cases 468, States 44

Recently Closed Outbreak:

  • Listeria Outbreak Linked to Peaches, Nectarines, and Plums (11/20/23-1/30/24)

    • Illnesses 11, Hospitalizations 10, Deaths 1, States 7

  • Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cantaloupes  (11/17/23-1/19/24)

    • Illnesses 407, Hospitalizations 158, Deaths 6, 44 states

Recall Link:

  • 2024 Recall Count 33

ENTERTAINMENT

Wendy’s menu prices will change daily

Wendy's has announced plans to test dynamic pricing, where prices of items like chicken nuggets and Frosties could vary based on demand.

This move, part of a broader adoption of variable pricing strategies across various industries, aims to leverage digital menu boards to adjust prices in real-time, particularly offering discounts during slower periods.

The announcement sparked mixed reactions online, with some consumers wary of potential price hikes during peak times. However, Wendy's clarified that the initiative seeks to enhance pricing flexibility, not necessarily to increase prices during high demand.

The concept of dynamic pricing, while not new and already prevalent in sectors like airlines and online retail, raises questions about consumer acceptance in the fast-food industry.

Experts caution that success will depend on careful implementation and maintaining consumer trust, especially in a competitive market where alternatives are readily available.

FOODIE SOPTLIGHT

#1 BBQ in Texas: Goldee’s behind the scenes

Goldee's BBQ in Kennedale, Texas, is a somewhat hidden gem that has gained nationwide recognition for its exceptional barbecue.

They smoke hundreds of pounds of brisket, ribs, sausages, and turkey, attracting long lines of customers who begin waiting up to five hours before opening.

What sets Goldee's apart, besides its high-quality meats, is its house-baked bread, a rarity in Texas BBQ joints. The popularity of Goldee's BBQ draws people from across the country, eager to taste their renowned dishes.

RECIPES

We’ve grown up from Lunchables to cheese plates

For a romantic night in, cheese lovers can elevate their night with three viral recipes that promise a cozy and indulgent experience.

  1. The Mac and Cheese: This French-inspired version of the classic mac and cheese is a gourmet twist on the comfort food staple. It incorporates a rich blend of European cheeses, including Comté, Mimolette, and Beaufort, creating a flavor-packed cheese sauce that is mixed with cooked macaroni. The dish is finished with a crunchy topping and baked to perfection, offering an easy yet special meal suitable for any night in.

  2. The Brie Toastie: Elevating the humble sandwich, this recipe features the luxurious Brie de Meaux paired with salty bacon and a touch of sweet and spicy sauce, all sandwiched between crunchy bread. The bacon is fried first, allowing the bread to soak up its flavorful juices before assembling the ultimate cheese toastie. It's a simple one-pan dish that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.

  3. The Comté Cheese Fondue: Ideal for sharing, a cheese fondue made with mature Comté, white wine, garlic, and a bit of cornflour is not only romantic but also surprisingly easy to prepare. The wine helps maintain the cheese's smooth texture, preventing it from becoming stringy or gloopy. Paired with a variety of dipping options, it's a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal together.

FOOD DOLLAR

Key Performance Indicator

The PLMA emphasizes the importance of value and quality in private label offerings across various income levels, highlighting the competitive advantage of store brands. Private label sales in the U.S. rose to $236 billion in 2023, a 4.7% increase from $229 billion in 2022.

  • Significant growth was observed in the first half of the year (8.2%), with a slowdown in the latter half (1.4%).

  • The industry appears to be returning to steady, single-digit annual growth rates seen before the past three years.

  • One in every five food or non-food grocery products in the U.S. is a private label or store brand product.

  • Unit sales of private brands slightly decreased by 0.1% to 58.1 billion, while national brands saw a nearly 3% decrease in unit sales.

  • Nine out of ten retail departments tracked saw an increase in private label sales.

  • The largest growth was in general food (10%) and beverages (8.9%).

  • Categories with the most significant growth included salty snacks (25%), shortening and oil (14%), and fresh bread and rolls (12.5%).

SCIENCE AND TECH

Take your time and savor

Science of Savory: Saveur emphasizes the importance of savoring food for both pleasure and health. It discusses how paying attention to the sensory experiences of eating can enhance enjoyment and create a mindful connection to food. This approach can lead to healthier eating habits without the need for restrictive diets. The act of savoring can be practiced by eating mindfully, enjoying the company during meals, and appreciating the cultural significance of food. The article suggests that savoring food can enrich one's overall experience of life.

Sugar to Fiber: Harvard University's Wyss Institute discovered that when sugar is exposed to certain plant enzymes in the gut, it can be turned into fiber. This process occurs when encapsulated enzymes meet the higher pH in the intestines. This breakthrough could significantly benefit diabetics by preventing excess sugar absorption into the bloodstream. However, the nutritional value of foods high in sugar is not improved by this method. The research is ongoing, with current trials being conducted on mice.

Guacamole: To keep guacamole fresh and prevent browning, the most effective methods involve limiting exposure to air. Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole proved to be the best preservation technique. Adding lime juice also helps due to its ascorbic acid content, which delays oxidation.